Can Rabbits Eat Cabbage?

Yes, rabbits can eat cabbage, including green cabbage, red cabbage, and savoy cabbage. Most rabbits will happily munch on it if it’s offered. 

However, cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, which is notorious for causing gas and bloating. Because rabbits are unable to pass gas easily, digestive discomfort can become serious if cabbage is overfed or introduced too quickly. 

For this reason, cabbage should never replace safer daily greens like romaine lettuce—it’s best treated as an occasional vegetable, not a staple of your rabbit’s diet. 

Cabbage does offer some nutritional benefits.  

The health benefits of cabbage may include:  

• Fiber, which supports digestion 
• Vitamin C, an antioxidant that may improve immune response  
• Vitamin K, which supports normal blood clotting 
• Small amounts of calcium, which is important for bone and dental health, and potassium, which helps heart health 

That said, rabbits already receive adequate nutrition from: 

• Unlimited grass hay, like Small Pet Select First Cut Timothy Hay for adult rabbits or Oxbow Alfalfa Hay Small Animal Food for bunnies younger than 6 months old.  

• A small amount of high-quality pellets, like Nutrena NatureWise Premium Rabbit Food or Science Selective Rabbit Food 

• Fresh, leafy greens like romaine lettuce or arugula  

So, while cabbage isn’t unhealthy, rabbits already get the nutrients they need from their regular diet, making cabbage an occasional treat—not a dietary staple.  

Cabbage can be problematic for some rabbits due to its gas-producing properties. 

The health risks of cabbage may include:  

• Gas buildup 
• Abdominal discomfort 
• Reduced appetite 
• Slower gut movement 
• Increased risk of gastrointestinal stasis 

Certain rabbits are especially sensitive, including: 

• Bunnies  
• Senior rabbits 
• Rabbits with a history of digestive issues 

If your rabbit falls into those camps, it’s best to avoid cabbage.   

In general, some rabbits may react OK to cabbage, while some will have issues. If your rabbit shows any signs of discomfort after eating cabbage, it’s best to remove it from their diet immediately and monitor their symptoms. 

When it comes to cabbage, you should:  

• Offer only 1–2 small cabbage leaves per serving 
• Serve it no more than once or twice per week 
• Keep in mind that smaller rabbits may be able to handle less than average-size or larger rabbits 

When introducing cabbage for the first time: 

• Start with a piece about the size of your thumb 
• Wait 24 hours before offering more 
• Monitor stool size, appetite, and behavior for any changes  

If everything looks normal, cabbage can remain an occasional treat, but never a daily green. In general, treats should make up no more than 5% of a rabbit’s diet.  

To minimize digestive upset, follow these tips: 

• Wash cabbage thoroughly: This will remove dirt and pesticides.  
• Feed raw cabbage, not cooked: Cooked cabbage loses fiber and can upset digestion.
• Introduce cabbage slowly: Never add cabbage alongside multiple new foods; this will make it easier to see what’s causing stomach upset, if it does occur. 
• Always have fresh hay available: Fresh hay should be your rabbit’s main source of food, as it keeps everything moving through the gut properly.  
• Rotate greens: Avoid feeding cabbage on consecutive days. This will help reduce gas buildup.  

If your rabbit is prone to gas, skip cabbage altogether and stick with gentler leafy greens, like romaine lettuce.  

If your rabbit eats more cabbage than recommended, monitor them closely over the next 12 hours. 

You should look out for:  

• Less poop or no poop  
• Smaller-than-normal droppings 
• Hunched posture 
• Lethargy 
• Tooth grinding 
• Loss of appetite 

These symptoms may be signs of gastrointestinal stasis, which is a medical emergency.  

You should:  

• Remove all gas-producing foods 
• Encourage hay and water intake 
• Call your veterinarian immediately or take your rabbit to an emergency vet 

Digestive issues can escalate quickly in rabbits and can be fatal, so early intervention is important. 

If cabbage doesn’t agree with your rabbit, there are plenty of safer vegetable options. 

Rabbit-friendly vegetables include: 

• Romaine lettuce 
• Green leaf lettuce 
• Red leaf lettuce 
• Cilantro 
• Parsley 
• Basil 
• Bok choy (in small amounts) 
• Bell peppers 
• You should never give your rabbit:  
• Iceberg lettuce 
• Onions 
• Garlic 
• Leeks 
• Chives 

A rotating variety of low-gas greens helps provide balanced nutrition while reducing digestive risk.  

While new foods can offer variety, rabbits toys can also be a fun source of enrichment for your bunny—with no worry about GI upset. Try the Oxbow Enriched Life Timothy Waffle Small Animal Toy or the Oxbow Enriched Life Celebration Cupcake Small Pet Toy.  

Can rabbits eat raw cabbage? 

Yes. Rabbits should only eat cabbage that is raw—not cooked. Cooked cabbage lacks fiber and is harder for rabbits to digest. 

Does cabbage give rabbits gas? 

Yes. Cabbage can cause gas in rabbits, especially when fed in large amounts or too frequently. Stick to small serving sizes so that your rabbit is less likely to experience any GI upset or stasis.   

What leafy greens can rabbits eat every day? 

Most rabbits can safely eat romaine lettuce, green or red leaf lettuce, and herbs like cilantro, parsley, and basil. However, talk to your vet to see what they recommend for your individual rabbit.